propaedeutic
1. [ adjective ] preceding and preparing for something
Synonyms: preparatory preparative
Examples:

"preparatory steps"

Related terms: preceding
2. [ noun ] (education) a course that provides and introduction to an art or science (or to more advanced study generally)
Synonyms: propaedeutics
Related terms: course
Similar spelling:   propaedeutics
  prophetic
  prophetical
  prophetically